American Crocodiles: Crocodylus acutus

Appearance:

It can be difficult for inexperienced people to tell the
difference between an American crocodile and the other native
crocodilian, the more common American alligator. The
following are some of the major differences between the two:

Crocodile

Alligator

Grayish green color

Black in color

Fourth tooth on lower jaw exposed when mouth is closed

Only upper teeth exposed when mouth is closed

Narrow tapered snout

Broad rounded snout

Young are light with dark stripes

Young are dark with yellow stripes

The common or spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
looks more like the American crocodile than the American alligator.
Its color is similar to the crocodile's but with a shorter more
rounded snout. Caiman are found primarily in freshwater canals and
lakes and rarely exceed 5 feet in length.

Top: American alligator, Middle: American crocodile, Bottom: common
caiman

Habitat:

American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are a shy and reclusive
species. They live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean, and
occur at the northern end of their range in south Florida. They
live in brackish or saltwater areas, and can be found in ponds,
coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps. They are occasionally being
encountered inland in freshwater areas of the SE Florida coast as a
result of the extensive canal system.

Behavior:

Like alligators, crocodiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely
on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
Crocodiles control their body temperature by basking in the sun, or
moving to areas with warmer or cooler air or water
temperatures.

A basking crocodile may be surprised by an approaching person and
quickly (and noisily) enter the water. This behavior might startle
the person, but it should not be misunderstood. Crocodiles would
normally enter the water quietly; splashing away indicates that the
crocodile is frightened.

Crocodiles can also be seen sunning with their mouths open, or
"gaping." This behavior is also related to regulating their body
temperature, and does not mean that the crocodile is acting
aggressively toward people.

Additional Information:

Image Credit: Peter Moler

FWC Facts:The Florida Bird Conservation Initiative is a voluntary, public-private partnership that seeks to promote the sustainability of native Florida birds and their habitats.